Match preview: Millwall vs Forest

The busy run of fixtures continues as Nottingham Forest bring 2018 to a close with a trip to The Den to take on Millwall tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

The Reds will be hoping to end the calendar year with all three points to keep in touch with the play-off positions after the 3-3 draw against Norwich on Boxing Day.

Millwall find themselves battling at the bottom of the table, with a morale-boosting victory over Reading on Boxing Day lifting them out of the bottom three.

Team news

Danny Fox returned to action at Norwich on Boxing Day and is set to be involved again for The Reds, but the game comes too soon for Michael Dawson and Tobias Figueiredo who are set to miss out again through injury.

From the Forest camp

The opposition view

Millwall manager Neil Harris was relieved to get the victory over Reading on Boxing Day and hopes his side will continue in a confident manner against The Reds.

Speaking after that win, he said: "We play good teams every week, but I expect us to beat sides especially here at The Den. I'm pleased for the players because they feel my frustration, they want to do well and they know it's been hard for us so far. I hope it gives us belief, momentum and confidence going into Saturday.

"It's a huge game against Nottingham Forest, and it will be a great atmosphere because Forest are a massive club and our fans will turn up, not expecting us just to come out and win. I'm hoping for it to be a lot more relaxed than it was today, and my players will feed off that.

"We have three vital games in seven days – seasons can be won or lost at Christmas and Easter, because of the quick turnaround. The league table looks healthier after winning today, and teams above you are within sight again.

"I don't expect to just turn up and win on Saturday. I expect us to compete with Forest, be as good as them and impose our game on them."

One to watch - Lee Gregory

Millwall's top scorer this season with nine goals in all competitions, Lee Gregory will be their main goalscoring threat on Saturday.

The frontman scored the equalising goal at The City Ground back in October and will be hoping to be on the scoresheet again.

Head to head

Forest wins - 22Millwall wins - 25Draws - 21

Tickets

The initial allocation of tickets for Forest fans has sold out but supporters can pay-on-the-day at The Den. Full details can be found here.

Coverage

International subscribers will be able to watch the action live on iFollow Forest, with audio commentary provided by BBC Radio Nottingham also available.

There will be full coverage of the game via the club's official social media channels and in the Match Centre.

Millwall 1-0 Forest

Nottingham Forest lost out away from home for just the second time this season as a Ryan Tunnicliffe goal saw Millwall win 1-0.

The early strike at The Den proved to be the winner as Forest's nine-game unbeaten run on the road came to an end in the capital in the final game of 2018.

Forest faced a quick start from the home side as Millwall looked for an early advantage. They looked to utilise set pieces as Jack Cooper headed wide of the mark on seven minutes and two minutes later they had the lead through Tunnicliffe.

A deep corner to the back post wasn't dealt with by the Forest defence and Tunnicliffe was able to acrobatically turn home the ball via the post to put Millwall in front.

After a tough opening, The Reds looked to settle into the game as Joe Lolley had two efforts in the space of three minutes which tested Jordan Archer in the Millwall goal. The first, a comfortable save following a shot from the edge of the box with the second forcing the keeper to parry Lolley's strike around the post just before the half-hour mark.

The Reds continued to probe for an equaliser as the first half drew to a close, with Jack Robinson heading straight at Archer from Lolley's cross and a fine switch of play by Michael Hefele finding Matty Cash on the left, who then cut inside his man before slicing an effort a couple of yards wide of goal.

The Reds started the second half on the front foot and were moving the ball around well as they searched for the leveller. Jack Colback hit an acrobatic effort straight at Archer on 47 following a fine passing move, Lolley fired wide of the target on 49 and Cash did the same two minutes later.

Millwall's defence was holding firm as Forest struggled to find a way through, with Lewis Grabban and Saidy Janko coming off the bench for a tactical change as The Reds went on the attack.

It was the home side, however, who came closest to finding the game's second goal as sub Steve Morison hit the post following a surging run by fellow substitute Aiden O'Brien, as Forest suffered just their second defeat on the road this season.

Pay-on-the-day at Millwall

Tickets for Nottingham Forest's trip to Millwall can be purchased on arrival at The Den.

The busy Christmas period continues when The Reds make the journey to South London on Saturday 29th December (kick-off 3pm) with Forest hoping to make up for the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser against Millwall earlier in the season.

The club have sold out the initial allocation of 2,050 tickets in the upper tier of the North Stand but a further allocation has now been made available at the following prices:

Adults: £29

Over 61s: £20

Under 18s: £16

Under 16s: £14

Under 12s: £9

Tickets can be purchased on the day from the North Stand ticket office where both cash and card payments are accepted.

Official coach travel

Coach travel is priced at £20 and departs the Brian Clough Stand at 10am.